Golden Chef Finalists gearing up for virtual grand finals

The Nestlé GOLDEN CHEF'S HAT AWARD is gearing up for the 2021 virtual grand finals, having sourced the top 12 line-up of young chef talent from across Australia and New Zealand.

Live regional heats were successfully held across all regions this year, except for NSW which was switched to a virtual format due to the hospitality lockdowns. 

The grand finals will be held on 17th November, with a virtual awards broadcast to follow on 30th November. 

Each of the top 12 finalists will compete simultaneously across their regions in commercial kitchens, with two Australian Culinary Federation or NZChefs expert judges onsite to assess professional practices, presentation and the all-important taste factor. At the same time, their dish creations will be live streamed to a panel of remote judges who will calibrate the results.

Executive Chef and Nestlé Professional head judge Mark Clayton says, “We were excited to be back to in person chef-to-chef cook-offs this year but, with current circumstances preventing that, we are still determined to give our finalist chefs the opportunity to showcase their skills and make the award experience as rewarding as ever.”

“We’ve attracted an outstanding level of chef talent this year and the top spot will be closely contested. Despite us all being separated this year, we can’t wait to see the magic the finalists create to bring us all together.”

The 2021 Golden Chef of the Year will be awarded an AUD$10,000 cash prize to further their culinary career. 

The winners of the Most Creative Use of a Nestlé Product Award and Most Sustainable Approach Award will receive SOLIDTEKNICS kitchen equipment packages valued at $1,000AUD and Best Restaurants Australia™ dining vouchers to the value of $250 per award. 

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Grand Finalist dish creations here: 

https://www.goldenchefs.com.au/national-finalists